Anchorage, Alaska battered by strong winds

Strong winds spread across the Anchorage Bowl. At 4 pm, Anchorage International Airport had a gust to 55 mph, and Merrill Field had a gust to 60 mph. (National Weather Service/Twitter)

Strong winds “wreaked havoc” across much of Anchorage on Tuesday. The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning for much of the afternoon, in effect until about 7 p.m., with gusts lasting into the night.

One reading on the Hillside clocked winds reaching 91 miles per hour, according to a National Weather Service Twitter account for Anchorage. The day saw reports of property damage, road closures and downed power lines.

Crews from Chugach Electric scrambled to restore electricity to customers, with 7,500 of homes without power as of about 4:30 p.m.

Areas of Turnagain Arm and East Anchorage are also getting hit with punishing gales. Residents were being asked to secure loose property and watch out for flying debris.